Facing Lucknow Super Giants in the last league stage match of the ongoing Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and asked the home team to bat first. This match holds significant importance for the RCB as it’s a battle of Qualifier 1, and a win from here will take the team a step closer to the final of the IPL 2025.
A top-two finish is crucial for the RCB team, as it will give them two shots at reaching the final of the tournament. But it won’t be easy for them as major players of the team are missing today. Announcing the playing XI for today against LSG, on-field captain Jitesh Sharma announced that Tim David-the Aussie finisher, will miss this match and Liam Livingstone will replace him in today’s match.
With Lungi Ngidi away on national duty, young Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara makes his RCB debut. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar isn’t fully fit yet and is listed as an Impact Player. On the other side, LSG welcomed back Digvesh Rathi, while Matthew Breetzke made his debut, replacing the injured Aiden Markram.
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What happened to Tim David?
Tim David, the Aussie finisher, sustained a hamstring injury during a clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad while attempting a catch in the last over. Following this fielding attempt, he did come to bat but couldn’t make an impact and fell cheaply. With the playoff match ahead, the team has opted to give him rest. The franchise has given Liam Livingstone a chance in the playing XI in place of David.
LSG vs RCB: Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Matthew Breetzke, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan, William O’Rourke
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma
“Perfect doesn’t exist.”
Jitesh Sharma recreating Avesh Khan’s 2023 celebration in front of him. pic.twitter.com/isZ3w69Syb— Anandu (@AnanduPS18) May 27, 2025
